Device for introducing gas into cables



Jan. 28, 1930. w, J GRUENE 1,744,87

DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING GAS INTO CABLES,

Filed Dec. 1, 1928 mum INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 28, 193G UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM J, GRUENE, OF HOLLIS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY, A. CORPORATION OF NEW YORK DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING GAS INTO CABLES Application filed December 1, 1928. Serial No. 323,173.

This invention relates to pressure testing of cables, and, more particularly, to means for facilitating the introduction of gas into cables for pressure tests.

In general, gas pressure tests of cables are for the purpose of detecting the presence of defects such as holes in the cable sheath or in the wiped joints and soldered seams of the sleeves by means of which the sheaths of adjacent cable sections are joined together.

One way of applying such tests is to allow gas to expand into a cable until an appreciable pressure, say pounds, is built up inside the sheath and then to make an inspec- 15 tion of the sleeves and other exposed parts of the cable with soap solution. In certain cases, for instance, when testing individual sleeves, it is highly desirable to have available reliable means for quickly connecting the gas supply to the sleeve to be tested.

The object of the invention is the provision of means suitable for the convenient introduction of gas as indicated above.

In general, the applicants device com- 5 prises a rigid bar formed in a certain manner and carrying in its middle portion a Valve which passes through the bar and terminates in a tube adapted to fit into a hole in the cable sleeve, a bumper arrangement fastened to the lower face of the bar and surrounding the tube over the greater part of its length, and means for rendering the gas inlet substantially air-tight with the minimum of difficulty.

The invention will be clearly understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing. Figure 1 of the drawing shows, in perspective, the applicants device applied to a section of cable covered in part by a sleeve; Fig. 2 shows, in greater detail, certa n elements of the device more generally disclosed in Fig. 1. Like numerals of reference in the two figures of the drawing designate corresponding parts.

With reference to the drawing,-and with particular reference, first, to Fig. 1 thereof, a section of cable 3, is covered in part by a sleeve 4. For the purpose of pressure testing, it is desired to introduce gas into the cabie through a hole 5 near one end of the sleeve at.

A tire valve 6 is mounted at the middle of and passes through a rigid bar 7. The valve is fitted with a small tube 8 which projects well beyond the lower face of the bar 7. The

valve member is threaded, as indicated clear ly in Fig. 2, and is fixed in place with a nut 9 and a washer 10. Fastened to the lower face of the bar 7, and surrounding the lower portion of the valve and the small tube 8, is a rubber bumper device consisting of a crutch bumper 11 and a round bumper 12. The round bumper extends to a point slightly bumper and is placed over the sleeve 4:.

Since the off-set is equal to the depth of the bumper, this end 7 fits against the sleeve 4. Straps 13 and-14: pass through metal loops 15 and 16 at the off-set end 7 and the straight end 7, respectively, of the bar 7. With the lower end of the tube 8 inserted in the hole 5 and the offset end 7 of the bar fitted against the sleeve 4, the strap 13 is tightened to fix the oil-set end of the bar firmly against the sleeve. The strap 14 at the straight end 7 of the bar is then t1ghtened about the cable '3. Due to the form of the bar and the position of the valve arrangement, there is produced a lever action, and, accordingly, relatively little pressure need be applied to the straight end of the bar by means of the strap 14 in order to render the gas inlet substantially air-tight.

It will, of course, be understood that when the applicants device is fixed in position as described above, a gas tank is connected to the tire valve by means of a suitable hose, and gas is introduced into the cable as desired. When the test is concluded, the applicants device is removed and the hole 5 in the cable sleeve 4 is closed.

The tire valve 6 is preferably of the bent type rather than the straight type; with this 100 form of valve, it is not necessary that there be a large clearance between adjacent cables when the applicants device is applied to one of the cables for the introduction of gas.

What is claimed is:

A device designed for the introduction of gas into a cable, comprising a rigid bar, a valve member passing through the middle portion of said bar and terminating in a tube adapted to fit into a hole in the cable sleeve, a bumper member fastened to the lower face of said bar and surrounding and extending nearly to the lower end of said tube, said bar being oil-set at one end to the depth of said bumper member, and two straps fastened to said bar, one at the ofi-set end to hold said end firmly against the cable sleeve and one at the opposite end to force said end toward the cable sheath.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this 30th day of November, 1928.

WILLIAM J. GRUENE. 

